Calendar

Claudia Schmidt
house concert

More than 4 decades as a touring professional have found Michigan native Claudia Schmidt traversing North America as well as Europe in venues ranging from intimate clubs to 4,000 seat theatres, and festival stages in front of 25,000 rapt listeners.
She has recorded nineteen albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring her acclaimed 12-string guitar and mountain dulcimer playing.

A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

The Highwater Stringband formed in Corvallis in late 1976 by a group of like-minded musicians who had recently arrived there from points over the horizon. They discovered in one another a passion for the acoustic music of earlier times, notably classic country, bluegrass, western swing, and fiddle tunes of the American South. Joining forces seemed like a good idea, and soon the band was getting calls for gigs at barn dances, road houses, coffee joints, folklore society concerts, and bluegrass festivals.

Highwater rode the flood tide for about two years, leaving in its wake a large repertoire of songs and tunes that the band is now dipping into for a series of 40-year reunion concerts. You can look forward to these geezers polishing up old gems and making them new again: Cyd Smith, guitar; Paul Kotapish, mandolin; Clyde Curley, fiddle; Jeff Hino, banjo and Dobro; and DeLynn Anderson, bass player in the original band, who will sing and old standard or two. (Seattle bass player Cary Black joins us for this tour.) It will be an evening of nostalgia for these old friends–and for those who fondly recall the days of the notorious folk scare of the ’70s, when everything old became new again.

These were all major participants in the Corvallis Folklore Society in the beginning, almost 40 years ago, and they’re getting together for the first time in Corvallis since who-knows-when to launch their 40-Year Reunion tour here with us.  They’re also excellent musicians.  This is something you don’t want to miss!

A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.

Annual Membership Meeting 2016

The Corvallis Folklore Society’s Annual Members’ Meeting will be on Saturday, May 7^th, 2016, before the regular contra dance, at the home of Diane Arney – 770 SW Lookout Drive, in Corvallis. It will take place during the usual pre-Contra dance potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share; arrive for snacks and socializing at 5:30. The purpose is to provide CFS members an opportunity to talk with the current board, to vote on the proposed slate for 2016-17 and, most importantly, to help support, expand and improve CFS activities.

The regular May Board meeting will also be on this date, before the Members’ meeting. It will start at 4:00 pm and is open to all CFS members. Members for the annual meeting should arrive around 5:30 pm. The potluck will begin at 6 pm, and the business meeting at about 6:15. Members who don’t wish to eat, are encouraged to come just for the meeting.  The meeting will end in plenty of time for contra folks to get to Saturday night’s dance at Gatton Hall.

Diane’s home is a short walk from Gatton Hall where the Saturday night Contra Dance will be held. Parking at Diane’s is somewhat limited, so please consider walking, biking or carpooling from the parking lot at First Congregational Church.

If you are interested in helping with CFS activities or serving on the Board, please contact CFS President Bill Pfender for information about important roles that need filling.

We are especially in need of a treasurer trainee (or co-trainees!)

Bill can be reached by e-mail: pfendersmith@comcast.net or call 541-760-3559. Hope to see you there!

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

WB Reid & Bonnie Zahnow

WB & Bonnie present a wide range of musical traditions: old-time country songs and fiddle tunes, string blues music and rags from Mississippi and Memphis, early tin pan alley songs, and a Mexican song or two. Both play fiddle and guitar, and WB also plays both 5- and 6-string banjo. Sweet harmonies on songs ranging from poignant to humorous, twin-fiddling, foot-tapping tunes and slow waltzes, all make for an entertaining evening of music.
Based in Seattle, they perform and teach annually at a number of festivals including Lark Camp, Fiddle Tunes, and the Berkeley, Portland, and Olympia old-time music gatherings. Their third CD, “Ryestraw,” released in May, 2016, is getting great notices across the country.
Together they played for 10 years in a trio with the ledendary Lee Stripling, and currently play in several other bands. WB was the fiddler for the Tallboys for four years. He also plays regularly with the Todalo Shakers and the Rhythm Rollers, and as a jazz duo with Mark Graham.

A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

John Reischman
& the Pine Siskins

John Reischman – Mandolin, Mandola
Eli West – guitar, bouzouki, vocals
Trent Freeman – fiddle
Patrick Metzger  – bass

The Pine Siskins is a new group John Reischman assembled to perform the music from his recent solo CD, “Walk Along John”. The all-instrumental recording includes nine new John Reischman originals, a few hand-picked traditional tunes, and a remake of the very first tune John wrote.

John Reischman is one of the premier mandolinists of his generation. He’s a master instrumentalist capable of swinging between re-inventions of traditional old-time tunes, deconstructions from the bluegrass repertoire, and compelling original tunes, many of which have become standards. He’s also a powerful bandleader, touring his band the Jaybirds all over Canada and the United States. But most of all, he’s an understated visionary, the kind of master craftsman whose music is virtuosic without ever being flashy and who is renowned for his impeccable taste and tone as an artist. John Reischman embodies the true spirit of acoustic music in the 21st century.

Eli West is one half of the highly acclaimed Northwest duo Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. He is an adventurous soloist equally adept at playing fiddle tunes and slow ballads. His rhythm playing features unusual and sophisticated chord voicings that strongly support the melody. Also adept at bouzouki, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo, he finds his musical identity in collaboration, and has created music in the Northwest with John Reischman, Tony Furtado, and many others.

Trent Freeman can play everything from groove based old- time tunes to melodically intricate modern Jazz. He excels at playing back up to the other soloists, incorporating lush double stops and a propulsive rhythmic chop. 

The recipient of numerous awards, he has a broad range of experience and is a well-respected and sought after session musician.  Trent’s Rock Paper Scissors album, an all original endeavor, won him the 2012 Canadian Folk Music award.  Trent has toured and recorded with many bands and artists such as the Wailin Jennys, Jessie Farrell, The Griffins, Wyclef Jean, The Fretless and countless others.  

Patrick Metzger’s Bass playing exhibits a robust tone and solid groove coupled with a fine melodic sense. A fixture of the Vancouver roots music scene, Patrick is at home playing a wide range of styles from jazz and rock to folk, bluegrass and old time. He performs regularly with a wide range of artists from the Western Swing of Petunia and the Vipers and jazz pianistBruno Hubert to the haunting folk-noir group The Abramson Singers. 

Potluck munchies at the break, BYOB.  Parking is limited, please bike or carpool if possible.

A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.

Cosy Sheridan

Cosy Sheridan first caught the attention of national folk audiences  in 1992 when she won the songwriting contests at both The Kerrville Folk Festival and   The Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

When she released her critically acclaimed CD Quietly Led on Waterbug Records,  The Boston Globe wrote “She is now being called one of the best new singer/songwriters.”

Her concerts are wide-ranging explorations: love songs for adults and practical philosophy for  a complicated world. She has written about the stock market crash of 2008 and fall-out from uranium mining in the  American southwest. She has re-written greek myths: Persephone runs away with Hades the biker. And then there are her signature parodies on aging and women. Her lyrical dexterity is backed by her distinctive percussive guitar style.

A house concert is an excellent place to hear and meet great musicians in a very intimate setting.

Birch Pereira
and the
Gin Joints
afternoon house concert

Born out of a love of the early years of swing, country and rock ‘n ‘roll, Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints is a band whose sound transports you to the time of speakeasies, honky-tonks and rock ‘n’ roll joints. With upright bassist and vocalist Birch Pereira at its center, the band features many of Seattle’s most skilled and versatile musicians who share the love of the American song traditions and a desire to offer a fresh angle on them.

The band itself plays in a variety of formats from intimate duo or trio gigs to dance gigs as a larger ensemble and features a revolving cast of professional, Golden Ear nominated, Seattle musicians. Birch Pereira & the Gin Joints released their debut album Dream Man on May 12th and continue to support the release with performances around the West and East Coast.

“The Gin Joints are a new group in town and feature Seattle mainstays Birch Pereira on bass and vocals, Jason Goessl on guitar, Sam Esecson on drums and Kate Voss on Harmonies. On this cover of “Lost Highway,” Pereira sweetly carries the lyrics of loss as Goessl accompanies on lead guitar. The quartet are masters of the early Americana sound. In short, we expect big things from their upcoming record, Dream Man.”    Jake Uitti – The Monarch Review

Corvallis Guitar Society

The goal of the Corvallis Guitar Society is to act as a catalyst to bring local guitarists out of the woodwork and provide an opportunity to perform and enjoy guitar music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The accent here is on participation and we hope people will want to participate in the open stage section also – no piece of music is too short or simple (though there is a five minute limit if we have a full sign-up sheet) and you are guaranteed a warm round of applause for showing us what you can do! We do have a limited number of open stage slots so be sure to sign up early at the front desk on the way in.

Our Mission

To promote classical and related guitar styles by providing a supportive performance environment for people of all ages and ability.

We seek to achieve this through a monthly meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss, listen to, and play solo guitar music including classical, flamenco, finger-style, jazz, as well as classical guitar ensemble styles.